Loughborough University PhD Funding for International Students
Loughborough Sanctuary PhD Scholarships: Tuition Funding & Living Stipend
The Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarships support researchers whose education has been disrupted by conflict, persecution or displacement. The scheme offers a route into doctoral study for applicants who need targeted financial support to continue their academic work.
For the advertised 2026/27 intake, the funding package included full tuition fees and an annual living stipend of £21,805, subject to annual increases, for three years of full-time PhD study. Travel and visa expenses required separate funding.
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Application update: the advertised deadline was 22 June 2026. That date has passed. Prospective applicants should check with Loughborough for future opportunities rather than assume applications remain open.
What Does the Sanctuary PhD Scholarship Cover?
Understanding the funding package helps you work out how much financial support you may still need.
| Funding component | Advertised 2026/27 provision |
|---|---|
| PhD tuition fees | 100% coverage during the funded period |
| Living-cost stipend | £21,805 annually, subject to annual increases |
| Full-time funding duration | Three years |
| Part-time study | Consideration possible for applicants studying part-time in the UK |
| Travel and visa expenses | To be funded through other sources |
The advertised entry points were October 2026, February 2027 and July 2027. These start dates do not mean the scholarship application deadline remains open.
How Much Monthly Living Support Does It Provide?
The advertised annual stipend of £21,805 is equivalent to approximately £1,817 per month when divided over 12 months. This is a budgeting calculation, not confirmation of the university’s payment schedule.
When assessing whether the funding meets your needs, prepare a personal budget covering:
- Student accommodation and any separate utility bills.
- Food, household essentials and local transport.
- Internet, mobile phone and study materials.
- Initial moving costs and accommodation deposits.
- Family expenses, where relevant.
A useful calculation is:
Monthly living support − expected monthly expenses = estimated remaining balance.
Separately, identify any upfront costs you must pay before your first stipend payment.
Who Is the Scholarship Designed For?
Loughborough describes the scheme as supporting people whose access to education has been affected by conflict, persecution or displacement. It should not be presented as a general scholarship available to every international PhD applicant.
Published information for the 2026/27 round listed these requirements:
- A conditional or unconditional offer for a Loughborough PhD programme.
- Exceptional academic achievement assessed in the context of opportunity and disruption.
- Circumstances meeting the scheme’s description of an at-risk scholar.
The published framework considered threats associated with conflict, persecution and serious danger to applicants or their families. It also considered risks faced by people already in the UK if they returned home. Confirm the complete eligibility requirements directly with the university for any future round.
Is It Restricted to Refugees Already Living in the UK?
The available scheme descriptions are broader than the claim that applicants must already hold UK refugee or asylum-seeking status. They refer to scholars affected by conflict, persecution or displacement.
Prospective applicants should ask Loughborough to confirm how their circumstances fit the scholarship criteria, including any residence or documentation requirements. Scholarship eligibility and permission to undertake study require separate confirmation.
Choosing a PhD Project and Supervisor
Funding is only one part of choosing a doctorate. Your research topic also needs a suitable academic home.
When reviewing potential projects, consider:
- Research fit: Does the department have expertise in your proposed topic?
- Supervision: Are suitable academics available to guide the work?
- Facilities: Can you access the equipment, archives or datasets you need?
- Feasibility: Can the project reasonably be completed within the funded period?
- Career relevance: Which research and professional skills will the project develop?
Prepare a short explanation of your research question, why it matters and how you plan to investigate it. This will help you communicate your interests when approaching a potential supervisor.
How to Prepare for a Future Application Round
1. Confirm that a new scholarship round is available.
Start with Loughborough’s official research-funding information. Check the entry year, closing date and current application instructions.
2. Identify an appropriate PhD opportunity.
Review the project’s academic requirements and contact the relevant department about supervision and research fit.
3. Obtain your PhD offer.
For the advertised round, applicants needed to have received an offer before applying for the Sanctuary scholarship. Allow time for departmental assessment and any interview.
4. Prepare the documents requested.
As a preparation checklist, gather academic records, an academic CV, referee details and a research proposal where required. Ask the university which supporting evidence it needs for your circumstances.
5. Follow the scholarship’s separate instructions.
Do not assume that submitting a PhD admission application automatically enters you into the scholarship competition. The published process required offer holders to complete a scholarship application.
Check Loughborough Research Funding and Current Opportunities
- Other PhD Funding Options to Explore
If a future Sanctuary round is unavailable, Loughborough’s research-funding directory lists other university and external funding routes.
Compare each opportunity carefully. A tuition discount, a living-cost bursary and a studentship covering both fees and maintenance provide different levels of support. Eligibility also varies between schemes.
For each option, record the award amount, funding duration, remaining costs and application deadline before deciding whether it meets your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sanctuary PhD Scholarship fully funded?
The advertised package covered full tuition fees and a living stipend for a defined funding period. Applicants still needed separate resources for travel and visa costs.
Does funding continue until I finish, regardless of duration?
The advertised full-time funding period was three years. Do not assume support automatically continues beyond the period stated in an award letter.
Can I apply without a PhD offer?
The advertised round required applicants to hold a conditional or unconditional PhD offer before submitting their scholarship application.
Are applications currently open?
The advertised deadline of 22 June 2026 has passed. Check directly with Loughborough for a new round or other available doctoral funding.
Where should I look for updates?
Use the university’s research degree funding directory and contact the relevant postgraduate research team for current guidance.
